In the vast tapestry of life, we often find ourselves perplexed by the age-old question: "Why do good things happen to bad people, and bad things to good people?" This query haunts the corridors of our collective consciousness, often leaving us in a state of bewilderment. But is our perspective too narrow, limited only to what is visible on the surface?
The Surface vs. The Depth
It's easy to fall into the trap of judging based on what is readily apparent. News channels and social media paint a picture of people's lives that is far from complete. We see only a facet, a single angle of a multi-dimensional existence. This simplistic view fuels our confusion and sometimes, our frustration.
However, the concept of karma, as explained in the Bhagavad Gita by Lord Krishna, offers a profound understanding. "Gahana Karmano Gatihi" – the depth of karma is inscrutable. It is not just a tally of good and bad deeds but a complex interplay of actions and consequences, often spanning lifetimes.
Karma in Everyday Life
Consider this: in your mid-40s, you might find yourself grappling with a deep-seated fear – perhaps of heights, insects, or social interactions. Psychologists often trace these fears back to childhood events. A public humiliation or a traumatic experience, though long passed, continues to influence your behavior decades later. This is karma in action – the lingering effects of past actions shaping your current reality.
The Story of Dhritarashtra and Lord Krishna
A story I once read on Quora beautifully illustrates this concept. I don't know how far is it true, but certainly gives us an idea of how deep is our Karmic journey.
Dhritarashtra, after losing his 100 sons in the Mahabharata war, questioned Lord Krishna about his past deeds that led to such a tragic fate. Krishna revealed that in a past life, as a hunter, Dhritarashtra had killed 100 birds living in a tree he burnt down. The repercussion of that action unfolded over 50 lifetimes, culminating in the loss he faced as a king. Dhritarashtra asked Lord Krishna, "Why did I have to experience something that I did 50 lifetimes ago?" To this Lord Krishna explained that "You had to collect good karma for 50 lifetimes to be able to become a king and a father of 100 children."
This story encapsulates the essence of karma – it's a currency, a balance of deeds that spans over lifetimes. Good deeds accumulate, elevating one's soul to new experiences, while the debts of bad deeds must eventually be repaid.
Embracing Karma in Our Lives
So, what does this mean for us? It's a call to look beyond the immediate, to understand that each individual's journey is a complex interplay of actions, reactions, and unseen forces. Rather than dwelling on the perceived injustices of life, we can find peace in accepting these events as part of our karmic evolution.
Karma is not just a philosophical concept; it's a reality that permeates every aspect of our existence. It reminds us that our actions, however small, have consequences that ripple through time. In understanding and accepting the depths of karma, we free ourselves from the burden of judgment and open our hearts to the wisdom of life's mysterious ways.
